Has your dentist near you told you that you require root canal therapy in North York? If so, you aren’t the only one. Each year, millions of people are treated with root canal therapy, and their teeth are saved from extraction with the help of root canal treatment. In this blog post, our Bayview Village Dental team describes everything you need to know about root canal therapy and how it can relieve your pain and save your smile.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
To understand how root canal treatment works, it is helpful to understand the anatomy of the tooth. Inside your tooth, under the enamel and a hard layer referred to as the dentin, there is a soft area of tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains all the important connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels for your tooth.
When a tooth becomes infected to the point where the pulp is affected, your dentist in North York will recommend root canal treatment. During a root canal, the infected or damaged portion of the pulp is removed, which saves your tooth from dying and prevents the spread of infection throughout your mouth.
How Do You Know if You Require a Root Canal?
There are a few symptoms that may indicate you need root canal treatment near you, such as:
● A cracked or chipped tooth
● Raised spots on your gums
● Lingering tooth sensitivity after ingesting a hot or cold substance
● Darkening of the gums
● Tender or swollen gums
The best way to know if you need a root canal is to visit your dentist if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. They can examine your mouth and determine which treatment is best.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
After numbing your tooth and its surrounding tissues, your dentist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp, clean and shape the root canal, and finally fill and seal the space. Sometimes, your dentist will also choose to place a dental crown over your tooth to provide it with extra strength and restore its full function. Once your treatment is complete, your tooth will continue to work like the rest of your teeth.
Is Recovering from a Root Canal Painful?
It is normal for your tooth to feel sensitive for the first couple of days following your treatment, especially if you had pain or severe infection before your procedure. This discomfort can be relieved using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or prescription medications.
Ensure that you follow your dentist’s instructions for recovery carefully to prevent any complications from occurring. These instructions may include sticking to a soft food diet, avoiding hard and chewy foods, brushing your teeth two times a day, and being careful around the area where the root canal was performed.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from the rest of your teeth for a few weeks after your treatment. However, if you notice severe discomfort or pain that lasts more than two days, visit your dentist for a checkup.
Visit Bayview Village Dental
If you are concerned that you may have a tooth infection, don’t wait to book an appointment for a checkup. Our team at Bayview Village Dental is happy to provide comprehensive examinations and root canal therapy to ensure that our patients enjoy optimal oral health for years to come.